In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable transportation, Indonesia and South Korea have forged a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing public mobility in Bali through the introduction of an electric bus ecosystem. This innovative collaboration aligns with Indonesia’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, focusing on tackling the transportation sector, which stands as one of the country’s leading contributors to carbon emissions.
Vivi Yulaswati, Deputy for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), emphasized the pivotal role of this joint venture. She outlined plans for a pilot project spanning four key regions in Bali—Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan (Sarbagita)—spanning a three-year timeline. The aim is not just to experiment but to swiftly attain success within this initial phase and expand to encompass 20 major cities, reflecting the scale and significance of this eco-friendly initiative.
During this trial period, Bappenas will meticulously lay the groundwork, including the procurement of buses, establishment of charging stations, route planning, sidewalk development, and field operator deployment. The projected cost for the development of this green transportation infrastructure in Bali amounts to approximately US$ 8.8 million, with financial backing secured from both partnering nations and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
Overseeing the project until December 2027, GGGI will provide comprehensive support, spanning feasibility studies, implementation strategies, financing mechanisms, and the provision of electric buses and their associated ecosystems. Jaeseung Lee, GGGI’s Representative for Indonesia, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, marking GGGI’s inaugural foray into Indonesia's electric vehicle sector, aiming to popularize affordable and comfortable public transportation among the populace.
Suy Hyun Lee, Director of the Climate Change and International Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, South Korea, expressed robust support for the initiative and proposed extended collaboration, particularly focusing on environmental aspects. Lee underscored the holistic impact of climate change on Indonesia’s ecosystem, economy, tourism, and society, offering further partnerships in crucial areas such as water resources, waste management, and greenhouse gas mitigation.
IGW Samsi Gunarta, Head of Bali’s Transportation Agency, echoed resounding support for the program, emphasizing Bali’s commitment to achieving emission-free status by 2045. Highlighting the existing diesel buses in Bali’s transportation fleet, Gunarta affirmed that the electric bus initiative would initially roll out in the Sarbagita region, renowned for its sustainable urban mobility plans, before expanding to Klungkung, in sync with plans for the Bali Cultural Center construction, aiming to spur fresh economic growth.
This collaborative endeavor marks a monumental leap towards sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation, emblematic of the shared commitment of both nations towards achieving environmental and climate-related objectives.
